Coach Carnesecca Turns 94 on Jan. 5
- Thread starter jerseyshorejohnny
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I texted Coach Rutledge early this morning and said too bad you can’t take Coach Lou to DC this afternoon like you did to CA the other night for theMarquette game. He said Aubie if we win today that is the best birthday present Coach could ask for. So glad for Coach Lou that the team was able to deliver for him today.
A great win for Coach Lou , Coach Mullin and staff, the team who must be physically and emotionally drained and of course the long suffering fans who have witnessed 15 straight defeats in DC.
Can the top 25 be far away ?
A great win for Coach Lou , Coach Mullin and staff, the team who must be physically and emotionally drained and of course the long suffering fans who have witnessed 15 straight defeats in DC.
Can the top 25 be far away ?
basketballjones
Well-known member
Happy Birthday Coach. Glad we got a nice win for you.
A treasure!
Lou Carnesecca
Lou Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON is a legend in New York and college basketball circles worldwide. He is synonymous with St. John’s Men’s Basketball, having coached at the University for 24 seasons. During that time, he never failed to qualify for a postseason tournament and compiled a record of 526 wins and 200 losses. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.
1. In one word, describe St. John's.
Home
2. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
That is a tough one. I would make every shot I take.
3. Favorite St. John’s moment?
Ah, there were so many, but I would say when we went to the Final Four. That was a very, very important time.
4. If you could visit any city in the world, where would it be?
Well, being from Tuscany, I would say Florence, Italy.
5. Coffee or tea?
Coffee. We do not have tea.
6. Three things you cannot live without
Coffee, Italian food, and a nice glass of wine.
7. Spring, summer, winter, or fall?
Well, I love summer because I hate the cold.
8. Sicilian or Neapolitan?
I like them both; I am not trying to hedge. Neapolitan is excellent, and Sicilian—the thick one—I love that. They are both good. Depends on the time of the day.
9. Michael Jordan or LeBron James?
Well, I am old school, so I am going to go for Jordan, although the other guy is tough to beat.
10. One thing that makes St. John's special?
The people.
11. If you could have dinner with one person in history, alive or dead, who would it be?
Pope John XXIII. I just love his cordiality. He made you feel at home.
12. What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger, that you know now?
Always have a pencil with an eraser.
13. Yankees or Mets?
It is hard. I grew up in East Harlem, NY. At that time, (the Yankees had) Frankie Crosetti, Tony Lazzeri, and Joe DiMaggio. You had to root for them. Of course, I love the Mets. Jay Horowitz (Mets Vice President of Alumni Public Relations) is a really good friend of mine. Two great teams.
14. Jets or Giants?
Oh, Giants. I can remember paying 50 cents, sitting up in the stands with a cup of coffee, and freezing. That was back in the fifties.
15. Favorite movie?
Gunga Din
16. What is your favorite proverb or saying?
Do not have short arms. My dad told me three things. Number one: Be there. Number two: Do not wear a big hat. And, number three: Do not have short arms. Not necessarily in that order.
17. What three words describe you?
You would have to ask somebody else; I cannot describe myself.
18. Who inspires you?
Sr. Mary Joella, my eighth-grade teacher. She inspired me to get into coaching and athletics. Wonderful woman who gave of herself for others. Marvelous woman.
19. What's something about you that no one else would know?
I will not give up my secrets; that is why nobody knows them.
20. What do you love about St. John's?
As I said, the people. There is a feeling of warmth here. I remember the first time I came to St. John’s—I fell in love with it.
[URL][URL]https://www.stjohns.edu/about/news/2019-01-07/20-questions[/URL][/URL]
Lou Carnesecca
Lou Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON is a legend in New York and college basketball circles worldwide. He is synonymous with St. John’s Men’s Basketball, having coached at the University for 24 seasons. During that time, he never failed to qualify for a postseason tournament and compiled a record of 526 wins and 200 losses. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.
1. In one word, describe St. John's.
Home
2. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
That is a tough one. I would make every shot I take.
3. Favorite St. John’s moment?
Ah, there were so many, but I would say when we went to the Final Four. That was a very, very important time.
4. If you could visit any city in the world, where would it be?
Well, being from Tuscany, I would say Florence, Italy.
5. Coffee or tea?
Coffee. We do not have tea.
6. Three things you cannot live without
Coffee, Italian food, and a nice glass of wine.
7. Spring, summer, winter, or fall?
Well, I love summer because I hate the cold.
8. Sicilian or Neapolitan?
I like them both; I am not trying to hedge. Neapolitan is excellent, and Sicilian—the thick one—I love that. They are both good. Depends on the time of the day.
9. Michael Jordan or LeBron James?
Well, I am old school, so I am going to go for Jordan, although the other guy is tough to beat.
10. One thing that makes St. John's special?
The people.
11. If you could have dinner with one person in history, alive or dead, who would it be?
Pope John XXIII. I just love his cordiality. He made you feel at home.
12. What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger, that you know now?
Always have a pencil with an eraser.
13. Yankees or Mets?
It is hard. I grew up in East Harlem, NY. At that time, (the Yankees had) Frankie Crosetti, Tony Lazzeri, and Joe DiMaggio. You had to root for them. Of course, I love the Mets. Jay Horowitz (Mets Vice President of Alumni Public Relations) is a really good friend of mine. Two great teams.
14. Jets or Giants?
Oh, Giants. I can remember paying 50 cents, sitting up in the stands with a cup of coffee, and freezing. That was back in the fifties.
15. Favorite movie?
Gunga Din
16. What is your favorite proverb or saying?
Do not have short arms. My dad told me three things. Number one: Be there. Number two: Do not wear a big hat. And, number three: Do not have short arms. Not necessarily in that order.
17. What three words describe you?
You would have to ask somebody else; I cannot describe myself.
18. Who inspires you?
Sr. Mary Joella, my eighth-grade teacher. She inspired me to get into coaching and athletics. Wonderful woman who gave of herself for others. Marvelous woman.
19. What's something about you that no one else would know?
I will not give up my secrets; that is why nobody knows them.
20. What do you love about St. John's?
As I said, the people. There is a feeling of warmth here. I remember the first time I came to St. John’s—I fell in love with it.
[URL][URL]https://www.stjohns.edu/about/news/2019-01-07/20-questions[/URL][/URL]
I don't usually post personal anecdotes but Coach Carnesseca is one in a million. I did not go to St. Johns and he is the reason I became a rabid fan, way back when. I have only spoken to him twice, the first time was about 4 years ago so obviously he was up in age. Talked about five minutes, all basketball. I was lucky enough to get another opportunity about 1 1/2 years later and Coach Carnesseca opened the conversation with "you are the guy who went to the same high school as Rick Barry." Impressive memory, totally impressive man.
we are sju
Active member
Louie was great obviously and even though a far different time it is amazing what he was able to do here that no one since has come close to doing. Would be funny if they have fan forums back then though because some throwing love his way now I am almost certain would not have been so nice back then on one of these. 
[quote="we are sju" post=313424]Louie was great obviously and even though a far different time it is amazing what he was able to do here that no one since has come close to doing. Would be funny if they have fan forums back then though because some throwing love his way now I am almost certain would not have been so nice back then on one of these. [/quote]
I confess to griping when Coach resisted playing zone defense once in a while.
[/quote]I confess to griping when Coach resisted playing zone defense once in a while.
beast of the east
Active member
[quote="Logen" post=313422]I don't usually post personal anecdotes but Coach Carnesseca is one in a million. I did not go to St. Johns and he is the reason I became a rabid fan, way back when. I have only spoken to him twice, the first time was about 4 years ago so obviously he was up in age. Talked about five minutes, all basketball. I was lucky enough to get another opportunity about 1 1/2 years later and Coach Carnesseca opened the conversation with "you are the guy who went to the same high school as Rick Barry." Impressive memory, totally impressive man.[/quote]
Did you teach Rick how to shoot free throws?
Did you teach Rick how to shoot free throws?
basketballjones
Well-known member
[quote="Paultzman" post=313429][quote="we are sju" post=313424]Louie was great obviously and even though a far different time it is amazing what he was able to do here that no one since has come close to doing. Would be funny if they have fan forums back then though because some throwing love his way now I am almost certain would not have been so nice back then on one of these. [/quote]
I confess to griping when Coach resisted playing zone defense once in a while.[/quote]
And slowing a fast break
[/quote]I confess to griping when Coach resisted playing zone defense once in a while.
[/quote]And slowing a fast break
we are sju
Active member
[quote="Paultzman" post=313429][quote="we are sju" post=313424]Louie was great obviously and even though a far different time it is amazing what he was able to do here that no one since has come close to doing. Would be funny if they have fan forums back then though because some throwing love his way now I am almost certain would not have been so nice back then on one of these. [/quote]
I confess to griping when Coach resisted playing zone defense once in a while.[/quote]
All relative and we got spoiled being decent every year but would add:
Bobby Kelly over Williams
Moses over Jackson
Not playing Rowan and or Shelton a little more Final Four year
Playing slow pace-year after Final Four I thought he loosened the reigns a bit, probably because he trusted Jackson.
Sproling over Derek Brown
Losing every year in 1st or 2nd round of tourney
[/quote]I confess to griping when Coach resisted playing zone defense once in a while.
[/quote]All relative and we got spoiled being decent every year but would add:
Bobby Kelly over Williams
Moses over Jackson
Not playing Rowan and or Shelton a little more Final Four year
Playing slow pace-year after Final Four I thought he loosened the reigns a bit, probably because he trusted Jackson.
Sproling over Derek Brown
Losing every year in 1st or 2nd round of tourney
[quote="Paultzman" post=313429][quote="we are sju" post=313424]Louie was great obviously and even though a far different time it is amazing what he was able to do here that no one since has come close to doing. Would be funny if they have fan forums back then though because some throwing love his way now I am almost certain would not have been so nice back then on one of these. [/quote]
I confess to griping when Coach resisted playing zone defense once in a while.[/quote]
Back in the day the Chieftain Club used to have a pre season get together at The Sly Fox with the seniors and coaches. Looie would make a short speech and open the floor for questions. Somebody would always ask him about playing zone and using a fast break offense. He'd always reply that he was thinking about doing it for the upcoming season. Needless to say, it never got beyond the "thinking" stage.
[/quote]I confess to griping when Coach resisted playing zone defense once in a while.
[/quote]Back in the day the Chieftain Club used to have a pre season get together at The Sly Fox with the seniors and coaches. Looie would make a short speech and open the floor for questions. Somebody would always ask him about playing zone and using a fast break offense. He'd always reply that he was thinking about doing it for the upcoming season.
Needless to say, it never got beyond the "thinking" stage.we are sju
Active member
[quote="Section9" post=313434][quote="Paultzman" post=313429][quote="we are sju" post=313424]Louie was great obviously and even though a far different time it is amazing what he was able to do here that no one since has come close to doing. Would be funny if they have fan forums back then though because some throwing love his way now I am almost certain would not have been so nice back then on one of these. [/quote]
I confess to griping when Coach resisted playing zone defense once in a while.[/quote]
Back in the day the Chieftain Club used to have a pre season get together at The Sly Fox with the seniors and coaches. Looie would make a short speech and open the floor for questions. Somebody would always ask him about playing zone and using a fast break offense. He'd always reply that he was thinking about doing it for the upcoming season. Needless to say, it never got beyond the "thinking" stage.[/quote]
Two years Mark Jackson started I thought he let them go a bit. Berry year at least if memory serves we ran a little.
[/quote]I confess to griping when Coach resisted playing zone defense once in a while.
[/quote]Back in the day the Chieftain Club used to have a pre season get together at The Sly Fox with the seniors and coaches. Looie would make a short speech and open the floor for questions. Somebody would always ask him about playing zone and using a fast break offense. He'd always reply that he was thinking about doing it for the upcoming season.
Needless to say, it never got beyond the "thinking" stage.[/quote]Two years Mark Jackson started I thought he let them go a bit. Berry year at least if memory serves we ran a little.
beast of the east
Active member
Looie says the best thing about St. John's is the people. I agree. But I also cannot St. John's would be as warm and friendly had Looie not stepped foot on campus for the first time and hung around till today.
We all feel like we know him, because most of us have met him, many more than once. The moment you do, you feel more and more a part of everything St. John's.
That single attribute to those who really know, is what makes Looie special and why his place at St. John's is revered. Not the 526 wins, not the Final Four, not anything basketball. Just the man whose life was changed by St. John's, and who in turn, helped transformed our school into a community.
Happy Birthday, Coach. You're a blessing to all of us.
We all feel like we know him, because most of us have met him, many more than once. The moment you do, you feel more and more a part of everything St. John's.
That single attribute to those who really know, is what makes Looie special and why his place at St. John's is revered. Not the 526 wins, not the Final Four, not anything basketball. Just the man whose life was changed by St. John's, and who in turn, helped transformed our school into a community.
Happy Birthday, Coach. You're a blessing to all of us.
[quote="Beast of the East" post=313431][quote="Logen" post=313422]I don't usually post personal anecdotes but Coach Carnesseca is one in a million. I did not go to St. Johns and he is the reason I became a rabid fan, way back when. I have only spoken to him twice, the first time was about 4 years ago so obviously he was up in age. Talked about five minutes, all basketball. I was lucky enough to get another opportunity about 1 1/2 years later and Coach Carnesseca opened the conversation with "you are the guy who went to the same high school as Rick Barry." Impressive memory, totally impressive man.[/quote]
Did you teach Rick how to shoot free throws?[/quote]
As long as you asked, the Roselle Park Junior School team was coached by a man named Roy Dragon. Mr. Dragon made everyone shoot foul shots underhanded, no exceptions. Everybody but Barry went back to shooting conventionally as soon as they got to high school. He obviously made the right decision.
Did you teach Rick how to shoot free throws?[/quote]
As long as you asked, the Roselle Park Junior School team was coached by a man named Roy Dragon. Mr. Dragon made everyone shoot foul shots underhanded, no exceptions. Everybody but Barry went back to shooting conventionally as soon as they got to high school. He obviously made the right decision.
I met coach lou twice. always made you feel like you were part of his family.
Kelly was the worse point guard, but Williams was an out of control point guard. bad decision either way.
rowan's first year at SJU he sat behind mullin. his second year at SJU, rowan led all big east players in minutes played.
Kelly was the worse point guard, but Williams was an out of control point guard. bad decision either way.
rowan's first year at SJU he sat behind mullin. his second year at SJU, rowan led all big east players in minutes played.
[quote="we are sju" post=313433] All relative and we got spoiled being decent every year but would add:
Bobby Kelly over Williams
Moses over Jackson
Not playing Rowan and or Shelton a little more Final Four year
Playing slow pace-year after Final Four I thought he loosened the reigns a bit, probably because he trusted Jackson.
Sproling over Derek Brown
Losing every year in 1st or 2nd round of tourney[/quote]
Unlike the Kelly-Williams match-up, where Williams was the superior talent, IMO Sprolling and Derek were washouts: both were pretty bad. Brown averaged 8.4 ppg., and shot .386 from the field and .305 from 3-point range; Sprolling averaged 5.6 ppg., and shot .403 from the field and .348 from 3-point range. But for me, Sprolling gets the nod, if only for hitting a game-winning shot against Syracuse in 1992.
[URL][URL]https://www.nytimes.com/1...ketball-sproling-s-heroics-rescue-redmen.html[/URL][/URL]
Bobby Kelly over Williams
Moses over Jackson
Not playing Rowan and or Shelton a little more Final Four year
Playing slow pace-year after Final Four I thought he loosened the reigns a bit, probably because he trusted Jackson.
Sproling over Derek Brown
Losing every year in 1st or 2nd round of tourney[/quote]
Unlike the Kelly-Williams match-up, where Williams was the superior talent, IMO Sprolling and Derek were washouts: both were pretty bad. Brown averaged 8.4 ppg., and shot .386 from the field and .305 from 3-point range; Sprolling averaged 5.6 ppg., and shot .403 from the field and .348 from 3-point range. But for me, Sprolling gets the nod, if only for hitting a game-winning shot against Syracuse in 1992.
[URL][URL]https://www.nytimes.com/1...ketball-sproling-s-heroics-rescue-redmen.html[/URL][/URL]
we are sju
Active member
[quote="section10" post=313462]I met coach lou twice. always made you feel like you were part of his family.
Kelly was the worse point guard, but Williams was an out of control point guard. bad decision either way.
rowan's first year at SJU he sat behind mullin. his second year at SJU, rowan led all big east players in minutes played.[/quote]
Against Gtown thought could have played Rowan for Willie Glass. Played Rowan and Mullin together.
Box and one on Mullin and bottled up Berry. Moses / Jackson and Glass had open shots.
Kelly was the worse point guard, but Williams was an out of control point guard. bad decision either way.
rowan's first year at SJU he sat behind mullin. his second year at SJU, rowan led all big east players in minutes played.[/quote]
Against Gtown thought could have played Rowan for Willie Glass. Played Rowan and Mullin together.
Box and one on Mullin and bottled up Berry. Moses / Jackson and Glass had open shots.
we are sju
Active member
[quote="redken" post=313465][quote="we are sju" post=313433] All relative and we got spoiled being decent every year but would add:
Bobby Kelly over Williams
Moses over Jackson
Not playing Rowan and or Shelton a little more Final Four year
Playing slow pace-year after Final Four I thought he loosened the reigns a bit, probably because he trusted Jackson.
Sproling over Derek Brown
Losing every year in 1st or 2nd round of tourney[/quote]
Unlike the Kelly-Williams match-up, where Williams was the superior talent, IMO Sprolling and Derek were washouts: both were pretty bad. Brown averaged 8.4 ppg., and shot .386 from the field and .305 from 3-point range; Sprolling averaged 5.6 ppg., and shot .403 from the field and .348 from 3-point range. But for me, Sprolling gets the nod, if only for hitting a game-winning shot against Syracuse in 1992.
[URL][URL]https://www.nytimes.com/1...ketball-sproling-s-heroics-rescue-redmen.html[/URL][/URL][/quote]
Brown frosh year he played well in limited minutes. Sprolling outside of the tourney run to Elite 8 his Junior year was a big disappointment. Was just talking the one year. Brown had some good moments as a frosh
Bobby Kelly over Williams
Moses over Jackson
Not playing Rowan and or Shelton a little more Final Four year
Playing slow pace-year after Final Four I thought he loosened the reigns a bit, probably because he trusted Jackson.
Sproling over Derek Brown
Losing every year in 1st or 2nd round of tourney[/quote]
Unlike the Kelly-Williams match-up, where Williams was the superior talent, IMO Sprolling and Derek were washouts: both were pretty bad. Brown averaged 8.4 ppg., and shot .386 from the field and .305 from 3-point range; Sprolling averaged 5.6 ppg., and shot .403 from the field and .348 from 3-point range. But for me, Sprolling gets the nod, if only for hitting a game-winning shot against Syracuse in 1992.
[URL][URL]https://www.nytimes.com/1...ketball-sproling-s-heroics-rescue-redmen.html[/URL][/URL][/quote]
Brown frosh year he played well in limited minutes. Sprolling outside of the tourney run to Elite 8 his Junior year was a big disappointment. Was just talking the one year. Brown had some good moments as a frosh
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